LOT 49
ISMAIL MAT HUSSIN
B. Kelantan, 1938 -2015
Wayang Kulit, 2009
Batik
73 x 81 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Signed and dated “Ismail Mat Hussin 2009” on lower right
RM 25,000 – 38,000
Rich in cultural resonance and narrative depth, Wayang Kulit by Ismail Mat Hussin stands as a compelling homage to one of Malaysia’s most cherished traditional art forms. Executed in batik, the work demonstrates the artist’s exceptional command of line, tonal subtlety, and storytelling, hallmarks that have firmly established his reputation within the Southeast Asian art canon.The composition captures an intimate moment behind the scenes of a shadow puppet performance. Musicians, rendered in fluid yet deliberate outlines, gather in quiet concentration as they animate the rhythmic pulse of the performance through traditional instruments. At the centre, the dalang orchestrates the narrative, bringing to life an array of intricately detailed puppets, each figure echoing the rich visual language of Malay folklore. Ismail’s restrained palette, dominated by earthy greys and muted hues, enhances the timeless quality of the scene, allowing the viewer to focus on the interplay between figure, craft, and tradition. Through his sensitive and meticulous batik technique, Ismail Mat Hussin not only records a vanishing tradition but elevates it into a poetic visual narrative.